TLDR; Works well and much happier with this solution over the originally installed Q competitor. The scenario functions (both schedule and timer) are much more advanced in the Aladdin product, in addition to the Alexa integration not available in the other.
Bought the competing Q product first, as it was $20 cheaper (and then realized it was only $5 difference after I bought the mount for it). While that product was a simpler install (pair it as if another remote), it did not connect to Alexa - only controlled via app. I don’t always have my phone in hand so voice control via Alexa is where I see the largest benefits of a “smart” home. After realizing the price was $5 difference I unplugged the other and bought the Aladdin. My door opener is a newer Genie installed last year.
The initial setup for both products is very similar. I recommend that you setup the app and complete the linking prior to hardware install. Once the two devices are synced, you can unplug and then mount. The pairing was stored even though it was almost 2 weeks in between the pairing and final install. For install, I’d recommend watching a few of the videos here on Amazon. The written instructions aren’t bad but there are options in install that while noted in the setup sheet, aren’t detailed enough to help differentiate A from B. I had already watched the videos prior to purchase to confirm functionality so I was aware of the options and how I wanted to set mine up. However, if you’re relying just on the simple setup doc, it may be a little too simplified.
For the door mount, I used a drywall anchor and one of the existing holes in the garage door frame. Living in the South, I don’t trust sticker mounts. I mounted the sensor lower on the door since I have windows in the top panels. This will also make any future battery replacement easier (no need for a step ladder to reach). Works well.
The ceiling mount is what gave me the most pause in thinking where to mount. Be aware of the connecting wires between your main opener and the Aladdin controller - you’ll want to keep those free from any moving parts. I ended up mounting on the same side as the wire inputs to avoid running the wire across the opener itself which avoids any potential snags or pulls. Luckily for me, the ceiling plug was also on that same side. With the controller facing the garage door.
I can now feel confident that the garage door is not inadvertently left open overnight. While it is part of our evening routine to check the doors, I no longer have to open door between the house and the garage to check and I’m looking forward to removing it from my mind entirely. Using the saved schedule, have it set to auto close if the door is opened at any point after our normal dinner hour and before we leave for work in the AM. Door will operate normally and auto-close 5 minutes later.
You can set the auto close to a timer, rather than a schedule. Meaning, close door after being open for X minutes. However, that doesn’t work for us since my husband likes to putter in the yard and leave the garage open while he does so. As much as I prefer the door closed, the Aladdin gives us both a solution that works for us. We’ve got it set so that if it’s dark outside, door will auto close. Otherwise, he can leave it open while he’s in the yard during the day.
The controller gives you the option of setting behavior based on day of the week as well. So you could timer close during the weekdays and schedule close on weekends. We may eventually do that but for now, we are both happy with the setup.
Overall much better solution than the competitor. Happy with the control and flexibility it provides.
| Brand | Genie |
|---|---|
| Color | , Monitor & Control Your Garage Door From Anywhere |
| Material | Plastic |
| Style | Aladdin Connect Kit |
| Item Weight | 1 Pounds |
| Assembly Required | No |
| Manufacturer | The Genie Company |
| Part Number | Genie Aladdin Connect Kit - OEM 100% |
| Item Weight | 1 pounds |
| Product Dimensions | 5 x 1.5 x 5 inches |
| Country of Origin | USA |
| Item model number | ALKT1-R |
| Batteries | 1 Lithium Metal batteries required. |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
| Size | Aladdin Connect Kit |
| Item Package Quantity | 1 |
| Coverage | – Monitor, Open & Close Your Garage Door From anywhere using Your Iphone or Android Device |
| Certification | certified frustration-free |
| Special Features | Your Wi-Fi router must meet this specification: 802.11 b/g/n, 2.4GHz with WPA2 or WPA Security. |
| Usage | Control Remotely From Anywhere, Inside |
| Included Components | Building Materials & Ladders; Doors; garage-door-remote-controls |
| Batteries Included? | No |
| Batteries Required? | Yes |
| Battery Cell Type | Lithium Manganese Dioxide |
| Warranty Description | Limited 1 Year Waranty |
